The skirmishes have begun<\/p>\n
The political skirmishes between parties supporting
\nthe executive power under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and
\nthe opposition led by the Nationhood Coalition, have begun in
\nearnest now that government is split into two camps, almost
\nparalyzing its routine activities. No doubt this is a reflection
\nof the struggle for power and influence left over from the
\nrecent presidential election, involving the Indonesian Democratic
\nParty of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Democratic Party.<\/p>\n
Some analysts rightly predicted that President Susilo would
\nface some hurdles in the House or Representatives, but the
\npresent reality is much worst than anticipated, with the
\npossibility of the House being dissolved by a presidential
\ndecree, at least in theory.<\/p>\n
The so-termed People's Coalition has tabled a motion of no-
\nconfidence in the leadership of the House, which forced the
\nformation of the House's committees following the boycott by the
\nPeople's Coalition on further proceedings.<\/p>\n
The People's Coalition is even considering submitting the case
\nto a court of justice or to the Constitutional Court and to the
\nattention of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU). The
\nlatest reports indicate that the People's Coalition has formed
\nHouse commissions of its own, as it was not given any further
\nleadership posts on the committees already formed by the
\nNationhood Coalition.<\/p>\n
Then there is an interpellation to be initiated by the
\nNationhood Coalition camp, requesting that Susilo explain the
\nreasons behind the revocation of a presidential decree by the
\nformer president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, in discharging the
\ncommander of the Indonesia Military and appointing a new one.<\/p>\n
While these political skirmishes are interesting to watch,
\nthey will ultimately constitute a permanent stumbling block for
\nPresident Susilo's administration. It can hardly function
\naccording to plan when bills and policies submitted to the House
\nare invariably under fire.<\/p>\n
It would be, then, impossible for him to govern and carry out
\nthe reforms solemnly pledged. A political or constitutional
\ncrisis may likely develop when the draft budget for the fiscal
\nyear of 2005, and beyond, needs the approval of the House. Under
\nsuch circumstances, the Supreme Court may decide to order a new
\ngeneral election, which would be out of the question in Indonesia
\nat present.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-skirmishes-have-begun-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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